the FOOD Pyramid

Steps to a healthier you

Eating Right Every Day Briefly describe the point of this lesson, which is that

the class will be learning about the relationship between good nutrition and health.

The Food PyramidSteps to a healthier you

GRAINSVEGETABLE

SFRUITS OILS MILK

MEAT & BEANS

GrainsMake half of your grains whole

List a few examples of grains that are plentiful in your area.

Discuss how much children should eat every day and when they might have them.

Together, research and discuss the health benefits of grains.

Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

VegetablesVary your veggies

List a few examples of vegetables that are plentiful in your area.

Discuss how much children should eat every day and when they might have them.

Together, research and discuss the health benefits of vegetables.

Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

FruitsFocus on fruits

List a few examples of fruits that are plentiful in your area.

Discuss how much children should eat every day and when they might have them.

Together, research and discuss the health benefits of fruits.

Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

OilsKnow your fats

List a few examples of oils and fats. Discuss how much children should eat daily and what

foods contain oils and fats. Together, research and discuss the health benefits

associated with the different kinds of oils and fats. Encourage children to list foods that they like from

this food group.

MilkGet your calcium rich foods

List a few examples of milk products. Discuss how much children should eat daily and when

they might have them. Together, research and discuss the health benefits of

milk products. Encourage children to list foods that they like from

this food group.

Meat and BeansGo lean on protein

List a few examples of meat and bean products that are plentiful in your area.

Discuss how much children should eat daily and when they might have them.

Together, research and discuss the health benefits of meat and beans.

Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

Discretionary CaloriesExtras for luxury foods

What are discretionary calories? Discuss how many discretionary calories children

should eat every day. Solicit class feedback for examples of ways to use

discretionary calories.

Physical ActivityStrive for 60 minutes or more per day

What is physical activity? Discuss moderate vs. vigorous activity. Solicit class feedback for examples of moderate and

vigorous activities.

Eat Well and Stay Healthy!

Encourage children to use the MyPyramid Worksheet, for a week, and to eat their favorite foods in each group to meet their daily requirements.

Download the worksheet here: MyPyramid Worksheet. Discuss their findings at the end of the week. How might each child eat more healthfully?

Conclusion

Summarize the health benefits of each food group. Encourage children to do research on any new finding

about food and health. Encourage children to continue keeping a food diary. Encourage children to strive for 60 minutes or more of

physical activity every day. Ask your school nurse or doctor to visit the class to

share facts about food and health on an ongoing basis.